The Police Command in Benue has confirmed the release of 20 students of the University of Maiduguri and University of Jos kidnapped by gunmen in the North-Central State on August 15.
Its Public Relations Officer, Mrs Sewuese Anene, confirmed their rescue to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at 11.15 p.m. on Friday (yesterday, August 23) in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
The students, who were traveling to Enugu for their annual Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) Convention, were abducted in Oturkpo, along with a House Officer, who accompanied them on the journey.
Anene, however, declined further details on the rescue efforts.
“The victims have been released. Details will be released tomorrow (Saturday) morning please,” she stated.
The kidnap victims’ release is coming five days after the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olukayode Egbetokun, deployed a tactical squad to Benue and ordered the Commissioner of Police in the State to relocate to Oturkpo.
It was gathered that a combined team of security operatives coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser carried out the operation that ensured freedom for the abducted students.
